ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Zahmya Brown

The First Academy track and field and hurdles runner Zahmya Brown recently was crowned regional champion in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:07.77. Brown also qualified for the state meet in the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relay. Head track and field coach Dean Middleton said of Brown, “She’s new to the team this year, but she quickly became one of the backbones of the team.”

How was it becoming regional champion?
It was very exciting especially with my mom being there and just my team supporting me and then showing me love. … It took us a minute but we got there, we took it home. 

Tell us about your years as a track runner.
It started when I was 7 years old, and I was on and off for a while. I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do, but in high school, I knew I wanted to do track. And then this year, as I progressed throughout the year, I knew I had made the right decision. 

What do you love most about track as a sport?
I love the teamwork and the support you get from your team and the coaches, especially your coaches being happy for you no matter if you do good or bad. They are there supporting you. 

What do you believe track has taught you not only on the track but also off of it?
Just to never give up. Even if you are late bloomers, just always keep going. Never stop what you are doing just because of failure. Failure teaches you. 

Do you have a favorite drill to do at practice?
I like “Fast Leg.” It’s just a drill that helps you get the muscles going when you are working on sprints. 

What do you think makes you a unique player on the track?
My attitude. Even when I win or lose, I still just keep a smile on my face. But when I lose, I am able to come back and work even harder. 

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team?
My work ethic. I come to practice with a straight face, no playing. And I think, some of my teammates, they pick that up and think, ‘She’s trying hard. I’m going to try hard, and we’ll see where we will go through the season.’

What do you love most about your team?
At the meets when we are winning, (when they are) running along the sidelines cheering me on and they are always happy for you — no matter what. 

What would you like to study in college?
I would like to study criminal justice. I want to be a lawyer, so I knew criminal justice would be a great option for that before I go to law school. 

What’s your favorite hobby?
I like to watch (scary and funny) movies and sleep.

What do you like to do on the weekends?
On the weekends, I actually watch my brother, Zaharie Williams, play basketball, and then we spend time as a family. We bake and cook together. 

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
Water, my phone and food. 

What’s your favorite movie?
“Love and Basketball.”

What’s your favorite type of music?
I like hip-hop a lot, but I also listen to gospel music. 

Who is your favorite superhero? Why?
I love Cat Woman and Black Panther — just because of their suits and how they work. 

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
To control time. I think time goes with everything, so I would basically have everything I need. 

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?
I really want to go to Bali, Greece and Jamaica because of their scenery and their culture. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why?
I would like to see the 2012 Olympics. It was a good time; USA won. 

What color would you say represents your personality?
Maybe like a teal. At times, I’m happy, and at times, I’m quiet to myself. That’s a nice and subtle tone. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
A monkey, because I want to swing on trees.